We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Investigations into the effects of biofilm formation on the transport behavior of microplastics in open channel flows
Summary
Researchers found that biofilm growth on low-density polyethylene microplastics significantly increases their settling propensity in open-channel flow, with biofilm-colonized 100 µm PE particles showing greater vertical movement than uncoated polyester particles despite PE's lower inherent density.
The presence of biofilm on microplastics (MPs) influences their mobility in aquatic environments by modifying critical physical attributes such as size and density. This study examines how biofilm-induced alterations affect the transport characteristics of polyethylene (PE) and polyester in open-channel flow. A laboratory incubation experiment lasting 7 weeks was performed under a regulated light-dark cycle to observe biofilm growth on low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Findings revealed that biofilm thickness increased rapidly within the first 7 days and stabilized by day 21. Subsequently, an empirical growth equation was established from these observations and consistently applied to both PE and polyester particles. Employing this calibrated model, particle tracking simulations were implemented for MPs (25 to 200 μm) within fully developed open-channel flows. The simulation results demonstrate that biofilm accumulation markedly enhances the settling propensity of both polymers. Biofouled PE particles with an initial diameter of 100 μm showed increased vertical movement compared to smaller polyester particles, and PE particles below 50 μm also exhibited more pronounced settling than uncoated polyester despite having lower density. These findings reveal that biofilm development can intensify the sinking of inherently buoyant MPs, thereby altering their transport processes. The results underscore the importance of accounting for biofilm-mediated modifications in both particle size and density to enhance the accuracy of MP fate predictions in riverine systems.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Biofilm Formation Influences the Wettability and Settling of Microplastics
This study found that biofilm formation on microplastic surfaces does not necessarily increase particle mass density enough to cause sinking, contradicting a common assumption. Instead, changes in particle wettability caused by biofilm were identified as a critical mechanism controlling microplastic vertical transport in the ocean.
Effects of Biofilms and Particle Physical Properties on the Rising and Settling Velocities of Microplastic Fibers and Sheets
Researchers investigated how biofilms and physical properties affect the rising and settling velocities of microplastic fibers and sheets, finding that biofouling significantly altered vertical transport dynamics depending on particle shape and size.
Enhanced settling of microplastics after biofilm development: A laboratory column study mimicking wastewater clarifiers
Researchers found that biofilm development on microplastics significantly enhances their settling velocity in laboratory columns mimicking wastewater clarifiers, suggesting that biological fouling is an important mechanism for microplastic removal during wastewater treatment and sedimentation in water bodies.
Perspective into bio-fouled microplastic behaviour, transportation and characterization in water bodies
This review examines how biofouling alters the physicochemical properties of microplastics — including density, surface charge, hydrophobicity, and roughness — and how the resulting 'plastisphere' biofilm community reshapes microplastic transport dynamics, vertical flux, and long-term fate in aquatic systems.
Quantifying the impact of biofouling on microplastic transport: a modeling study
Researchers modelled the impact of biofouling on microplastic transport in fluvial environments by simulating scenarios in which biofilm accumulation altered particle buoyancy, size, shape, density, and settling velocity. Using probability density functions to capture variability in biofilm thickness, suspended solids, and turbulence, the study quantified how biofouling dynamics shift microplastic transport behaviour.